Soldiers were also seen entering the building at around 4pm local time on Wednesday. They later withdrew after condemnation from President Luis Arce and other officials.
Bolivian authorities arrested former Commander-in-Chief of the Bolivian army - General Juan Jose Zuniga, who was dismissed shortly before, after soldiers withdrew from the square.
Protesters supporting President Luis Arce chase soldiers as they flee from the Presidential Palace in La Paz, Bolivia on June 26, 2024. Photo: AP
Failed coup in country famous for coups
“We denounce the unusual mobilization of some units of the Bolivian Army. Democracy must be respected,” President Arce said on social media as troops began arriving at the Bolivian Presidential Palace in central La Paz.
He appointed new military commanders from the Presidential Palace as the coup was taking place. The generals then ordered the troops in the square to return home. Thousands of Arce's supporters poured into the square as the troops retreated.
Local television channels earlier showed President Arce confronting General Zuniga in the hallway of the Presidential Palace. “I am your superior and I order you to withdraw your troops and I will not allow this non-cooperation,” Arce said.
General Juan Jose Zuniga said he wanted to free 'political prisoners', including former interim President Jeanine Anez. Photo: AP
For his part, Zuniga has said on television that he hopes the government will change and that he also intends to release "political prisoners", including former President Jeanine Anez.
Bolivia has seen the most coups and revolutions in the world since 1950, having seen nearly 200 coups since gaining independence in 1825.
The international community strongly condemned
“The European Union condemns any attempt to disrupt the constitutional order in Bolivia and overthrow democratically elected governments,” said the European Union’s top diplomat Josep Borrell.
The head of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, was also quick to condemn. “The Secretary General of the OAS condemns in the strongest terms the events in Bolivia. The military must submit to legitimately elected civilian authority,” Almagro said.
Bolivian President Luis Arce speaks to the media after the coup army withdrew. Photo: AP
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said his government "strongly condemns the military movements in Bolivia" and offers solidarity and support to the government and people.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric also expressed "concern about the situation in Bolivia" and "our support for democracy in our brother country and for the legitimate government".
Meanwhile, the US also responded to the news by calling for calm. A spokesperson for the US National Security Council said in a statement: “The US is closely monitoring the situation in Bolivia and calls for calm.”
Hoang Hai (according to AFP, AP, Reuters)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/binh-linh-bolivia-chay-tron-sau-khi-dao-chinh-bat-thanh-tuong-quan-doi-bi-bat-post301055.html
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